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What to consider when buying outdoor furniture

Royal Botania Furniture
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When it comes to furnishing outdoor spaces, choosing quality furniture is essential to ensure not only aesthetics, but also durability and comfort. Outdoor furniture must be able to withstand the elements while providing a comfortable experience and a design that blends in with its surroundings.

In this guide we explore the key criteria for choosing the best outdoor furniture, focusing on materials, design and top brands known for their excellence and reliability. Whether it's a garden, patio or terrace, investing in quality furniture will transform your outdoor space into a luxurious and welcoming retreat.

Why is patio furniture so expensive?

The price of outdoor furniture often reflects how well it can stand up to the weather, how good it looks and how long it lasts. Quality outdoor furniture is made from materials that have been chosen for their durability and ability to withstand weather conditions like rain, UV rays and temperature changes.

These materials are not only strong but also need to be made with great care to make sure they meet the high standards you'd expect in a luxury outdoor setting. The design process behind patio furniture also involves paying a lot of attention to detail and thinking in new ways to combine what's useful with what's stylish, which adds to the cost. Investing in such furniture means that outdoor spaces are not only beautiful but also long-lasting, offering value over time despite the initial expense.

Materials to consider for your high-end outdoor furniture set

When selecting a luxury outdoor furniture set, it is essential to consider materials that guarantee both durability and a refined aesthetic. Teak, high-quality aluminium, and synthetic rattan are the most popular options due to their weather resistance and elegant appearance.

Teak is a tropical hardwood known for its strength and is particularly resistant to moisture, decay, and insects. This makes it ideal for any climate, including humid and salty environments. The natural oils that protect it from the elements require minimal maintenance.

On the other hand, high-quality aluminium is highly regarded for its combination of lightness and strength. This material is resistant to corrosion and easy to handle, making it convenient to move furniture around. Furthermore, aluminium is available in a wide range of finishes and colours, offering versatile options to match any outdoor design.

Synthetic rattan, or polyrattan, offers a superior alternative to natural wicker. This material is treated to withstand UV rays, preventing fading and keeping its beauty over time. It is also easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for those seeking a practical solution without sacrificing style.

Outdoor furniture made from ceramic is highly durable and resistant to the effects of weather. Ceramic does not absorb moisture, resists UV rays and handles temperature variations, ensuring its appearance remains intact over time.

Stainless steel is one of the most widely used materials for outdoor furniture due to its corrosion resistance, especially in marine or harsh weather environments. In addition to its durability, stainless steel offers a sleek and modern aesthetic, making it ideal for items like sun loungers and other outdoor pieces.


Investing in outdoor furniture made from these materials ensures not only long-lasting performance but also helps create an elegant and functional outdoor space. These luxury furnishings are designed to withstand the test of time and the elements, offering comfort and style that will enhance your outdoor experience for years to come.

Why is Italian outdoor furniture the best?

Italian outdoor furniture is internationally renowned as a symbol of excellence in design and quality, establishing it as the pinnacle of luxury furnishings. This prestige is derived from a rich artistic and artisanal tradition that is deeply embedded in Italian culture and has evolved over time without losing its essence.

Italian designers combine traditional craftsmanship with innovative materials to create furniture that is both visually striking and highly durable. Renowned for his contributions to outdoor design, Antonio Citterio has crafted iconic pieces for some of the best Italian brands. These include the Erica '19 outdoor sofa and the GiĆ² outdoor sofa for B&B Italia Outdoor, and the Esosoft outdoor collection for Cassina, the Hamptons outdoor sofa for Flexform.

Another prominent figure in Italian design is Rodolfo Dordoni, whose creations include the Astra outdoor sofa for Roda and the Dine Out collection for Cassina.

What are the top outdoor furniture brands in Italy?

Italy is home to numerous brands that are leaders in the field of outdoor furniture design, offering products that embody luxury and elegance. Tomassini Arredamenti, an official retailer of the best outdoor furniture brands, offers clients the opportunity to create personalised projects in its showroom, collaborating with a wide range of Italian and international brands. Thanks to this extensive selection, it's possible to craft tailor-made solutions for every taste and style, ensuring a result that perfectly reflects the needs and preferences of each client.

Brands such as B&B Italia Outdoor, Cassina, and Flexform are renowned for their sophisticated designs, which seamlessly blend contemporary aesthetics with high-quality materials. Roda and Paola Lenti, on the other hand, are celebrated for their innovative use of materials and vibrant colour palettes, which transform any outdoor space into a setting full of personality and charm.

Brands such as Emu, Talenti, and Varaschin contribute to the enhancement of the Italian outdoor design landscape. Emu, a historic Italian company, is renowned for its innovative metalworking techniques, which have enabled the creation of durable and versatile furniture suitable for both residential and contract environments. Talenti, another leading Italian brand, is distinguished by its contemporary approach and its fusion of design and functionality, offering collections that combine materials like metal, wood, and technical fabrics. Varaschin, based in the Veneto region, is distinguished by its artisanal weaving techniques and modern materials, such as aluminium and synthetic rattan, which are ideal for creating elegant and comfortable outdoor spaces. The company's philosophy is centred on craftsmanship and sustainability.

Designing your luxury outdoor space: tips and inspiration

The creation of a luxury outdoor space requires careful planning in both design and furniture arrangement. It is not simply a matter of selecting superior-quality furniture; rather, it is about creating an environment that harmoniously combines functionality and aesthetics.

To achieve this, it is essential to organise the space in a way that allows each area to have a specific purpose while integrating well with the natural surroundings. The addition of comfortable modular sofas, hanging chairs, elegant dining sets and poolside lighting can transform the outdoor area into a refined extension of your home. This approach enables the creation of a space that reflects the client's personal style while offering a harmonious and enjoyable experience in harmony with the surrounding nature.

Transform your backyard into a luxury outdoor living space

To transform a backyard into a functional and well-structured living space, dividing the space into zones for dining, lounging, and entertainment is essential. Comfortable sofas and chairs can establish a cozy seating area, while stylish garden tables make al fresco dining more enjoyable.

Adding outdoor rugs helps to define these areas, bringing warmth and texture to the space. Outdoor lighting, including elegant lanterns and landscape lights, enhances the ambiance and allows you to enjoy the space even after sunset.

How to arrange patio furniture around a pool

When it comes to arranging garden furniture around a pool, the possibilities are endless. It's all about creating a layout that maximises both functionality and aesthetics. Start by placing loungers and sunbeds along the pool's edges, orienting them towards the water to make the most of the sunlight and view. Add some umbrellas or pergolas to create shaded areas, perfect for relaxing in the sun's rays during the hottest hours.

Near the pool, build a seating area with comfortable sofas and armchairs, ideal for relaxing after a swim. If you have the space, include a dining table for outdoor meals, in a spot slightly away from the water for added safety. And don't forget about lighting: soft lights and spotlights around the pool not only enhance the ambiance, but also ensure safety during evening hours.

The best pieces of high-end outdoor furniture you'll need

Designing an outdoor space that feels personal and inviting starts with carefully choosing furniture and accessories. Quality outdoor furniture doesn't just look good - it serves a practical purpose, too. From comfortable seating to versatile lighting, each element helps shape a space where you can unwind or host friends. By focusing on durability and design, you can create a setting that reflects your style and enhances your time outdoors.

Outdoor sofas

Outdoor sofas are a key element in any luxury outdoor living area, combining comfort and sophistication. Built to endure various weather conditions, these sofas offer plush seating for guests to unwind in style. Available in a range of designs and materials, they can complement any outdoor aesthetic, from modern to classic. Their versatility and durability make them a must-have for creating an inviting and elegant patio or garden.

B&B Italia Outdoor offers a range of prestigious options, including the Erica outdoor sofa, known for its lightweight and versatile metal frame, the Canasta outdoor sofa, characterised by its iconic Viennese straw wicker back, and the Borea outdoor sofa, whose modern lines and durable materials make it perfect for contemporary environments.

Gervasoni's Ghost Out collection, designed by Paola Navone, is an outstanding piece of outdoor furniture. The collection offers a wide range of comfortable, enveloping seating options with a lightweight structure and minimalist volumes, complemented by soft cushions for unparalleled comfort. What sets the Ghost Out collection apart is its unique slipcover: an oversized fabric with exposed seams that allows sofas, armchairs and chairs to be transformed as easily as an outfit.

In addition to the Ghost collection, Gervasoni also offers other outdoor furniture solutions, such as the InOut 703 outdoor sofa, featuring a sturdy oiled iroko wood frame, and the Jeko 04 outdoor sofa, with an elegant structure made of ECOTeak, an eco-friendly material created from reclaimed teak beams and elements.

Garden tables

When designing an outdoor space, the garden table becomes a focal point, whether for social gatherings or simply enjoying peaceful moments outdoors. Choosing the right table means balancing aesthetics, functionality and weather resistance.

Varaschin, for example, offers high quality options such as the Emma outdoor table, available in both fixed and extendable versions, making it perfect for different space requirements. Its aluminium frame and refined finish make it a versatile and durable choice. Another standout from Varaschin is the Tibidabo outdoor table, which has an elegant design with a round top supported by a hand-woven wicker base. Roda's Spinnaker outdoor table is another excellent choice, with a teak top and an extension mechanism that easily extends the table to over three metres when fully opened.

Outdoor rugs

As well as defining spaces, outdoor rugs add style and colour to your garden or patio. Choosing the right rug has the power to transform the overall atmosphere of your outdoor space, creating a cosy space full of personality.


Paola Lenti offers an elegant selection of indoor and outdoor rugs, including the Zoe rug in melange wool, the Wind outdoor rug with its hand-tufted technique and the Donna Costanza rug with its high degree of customisation: you can choose up to four colours for the embroidery, which is done on 50x50 cm modular elements that can be joined together to create a unique, custom-made rug perfect for any space.


Within the Boundless Living Outdoor Collection, Poltrona Frau presents the Grand Vizier outdoor rug, with a polypropylene rope cross weave, and the Sherazade outdoor carpet, an elegant double-sided model, also in polypropylene.

Tappeto per esterno Nubo by Manutti
Nubo Outdoor Rug by Manutti

Outdoor lights

Lighting is essential for enhancing outdoor spaces, creating a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere. Outdoor lighting not only enhances aesthetics, but is also essential for safety and usability in the evening hours.

The Monsieur Tricot outdoor lamp by TribĆ¹ combines design and innovation, with an aesthetic inspired by traditional knitting techniques, but made with durable, modern materials. The Mia outdoor lamp by Kettal is a versatile and elegant option with a minimalist and contemporary design.

If you're looking for something a bit different, the Shoji outdoor floor lamp by Paola Lenti is a great choice. It provides soft, diffused lighting and is inspired by traditional Japanese shoji screens, which are perfect for creating a tranquil atmosphere. Similarly, the Scoora outdoor floor lamp by Dedon is a standout piece thanks to its elegant shell-inspired shape. Handwoven for durability, it's also UV ray and temperature change resistant, making it a great choice for those looking for a decorative piece that combines functionality with exclusive design.

Pool chairs, sunbeds, and loungers

When furnishing a pool area, it's important to choose furniture that combines comfort, durability and design. Nothing beats the luxury of pool chairs, sunbeds, and loungers. The Mirto outdoor sunbed by B&B Italia is a contemporary classic made from high-quality materials: an aluminium frame and a technical fabric cover designed to withstand the elements and retain its elegance over time.

For those looking for a versatile option, the Casilda outdoor sunbed by Talenti is an excellent choice. Fitted with wheels for easy movement, this lounger strikes the perfect balance between functionality and style. Another high-end option is the Yard outdoor sunbed by Emu, which has a lightweight yet sturdy aluminium frame and a seat made of elastic technical fabric for optimum comfort.

Cove Sunbed by Paola Lenti
Cove Sunbed by Paola Lenti

Fire pit

Outdoor fire pits are a great way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in outdoor spaces. As well as providing a focal point for conversation and relaxation, fire pits also offer practical functionality, allowing for rustic yet elegant outdoor cooking. When choosing a fire pit, it's important to consider the quality of the materials, which must be heat resistant and able to withstand outdoor conditions.


Corten steel, for example, is a popular choice due to its ability to develop a protective patina that prevents corrosion. Safety and siting are also important considerations: the fire pit should be placed on a stable surface, away from flammable materials and properly shielded from the wind to prevent dangerous sparks.

ZigZag fire pit by kettal
ZigZag fire pit by kettal

Barbecues and outdoor kitchens

Outdoor kitchens and barbecues have become essential for those who want to make the most of their outdoor spaces, especially for those who enjoy al fresco dining. When choosing an outdoor kitchen, it's important to focus on the quality of materials, such as stainless steel and treated wood, which ensure weather resistance and durability.


Poliform realizes the Land outdoor kitchen, renowned for its sleek, minimalist design. Made from high quality materials, it features modular components that allow it to be adapted to specific needs. Spanish company Kettal creates the Objects outdoor kitchen, characterised by clean and modern lines.

Land Outdoor Kitchen by Poliform
Land Outdoor Kitchen by Poliform

Land Outdoor Kitchen by Poliform

Varaschin offers the Cooking outdoor kitchen, a versatile and functional solution that combines aesthetics with practicality. Designed to integrate seamlessly with other outdoor furniture, this kitchen offers ample work space and efficient cooking systems, allowing you to prepare meals outdoors with the same ease and convenience as in an indoor kitchen.

Yacht furnishings: coastal outdoor furniture

Yacht furniture is the perfect blend of style and functionality for those who appreciate nautical luxury.These outdoor pieces are designed to ensure elegance and comfort while withstanding the harsh conditions of the marine environment. Constructed from high quality materials that can withstand salt, sun and wind, they offer long lasting durability whilst retaining their aesthetic appeal.

The Sail Out outdoor sofa by Cassina is a versatile solution thanks to its modular design, which makes it easy to customise the deck of your yacht. For those looking for a refined and contemporary look, the Magnolia outdoor sunbed and Mad Out outdoor sofa by Poliform offer an excellent combination of durable materials and high-end aesthetics, ideal for marine environments.

Another luxurious option is the Atlante outdoor sofa by Flexform, crafted from premium outdoor materials and perfectly complemented by the Phuket outdoor ottoman. This set is ideal for those looking for a corner of comfort and style that can withstand the elements. For more advice and details on how to customise a yacht with exclusive furniture, please read the article Customize your Yacht with Luxury Italian Furniture.

When selecting outdoor furniture, it's about more than just materials - it's about designing a space that balances form and function. Thoughtfully chosen luxury pieces become extensions of the architecture, shaping a cohesive dialogue between the interior and exterior. High-end materials not only endure the elements, they also bring texture and refinement, turning patios, terraces, and gardens into curated environments that evolve with both the space and its users.

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Ā 

mariaelisabetta
Elisabetta Rossi
Architect
With a degree in architecture from La Sapienza University in Rome, she has over 20 years of experience in the field of interior design. As a space optimization expert, she excels in creating functional and attractive layouts. Her strength lies in providing original solutions and tailor-made projects, all based on her exceptional ability to attentively listen to and effectively communicate with clients. She is nature lover and when she is not in the studio designing, she enjoys relaxing walks in the mountains.

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